The political thriller Tempest wrapped up its first season on October 1, 2025, but the finale has left fans wanting more. The Disney+ series, starring Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won, concluded its nine-episode run by resolving the major global threat but leaving the personal fates of its main characters, particularly the beloved bodyguard Baek San-ho, tantalizingly unclear, sparking immediate calls for a second season.
A Cliffhanger Finale
The final episode saw Seo Mun-ju and Baek San-ho successfully secure vital submarine codes, preventing a nuclear missile strike orchestrated by the main villain, Ok-seon. In a desperate last act, Ok-seon triggered a bomb on her ship. To ensure Mun-ju’s escape, San-ho stayed behind with the explosives. The ship exploded, and Mun-ju was led to believe he had died in the blast.
However, the finale offered a crucial hint that San-ho may have survived. A later scene showed a mysterious figure burying Mun-ju’s necklace in a desert, strongly suggesting that San-ho is alive. This open-ended conclusion has become the central point of discussion and disappointment for viewers, who were hoping for a clear happy ending for the duo. One fan expressed a common sentiment online, writing,
I know everything is political but we need Season 2 for Tempest, a happy married life for Munju and Sanho.
Unresolved Character Arcs
While the central conspiracy was resolved, the emotional core of the story was left hanging. The deep bond and clear romantic tension between Mun-ju and San-ho, a highlight of the series for many fans, did not get a conclusive resolution. Mun-ju’s story continues as she is expelled from her political party but emerges as a symbol of hope. With support from the former president, she begins a new journey, poised to become a presidential candidate and lead peace talks.
San-ho’s ultimate fate, however, remains the biggest mystery. The brief glimpse of a character who appears to be him at the very end confirms he survived the explosion but does not reveal his whereabouts or if he will reunite with Mun-ju. This has left their “endgame” frustratingly unclear for the audience. A fan on social media highlighted the show’s emotional pull, calling it
“drama of the year” and praising the “slow burn with exceptional acting and a mindblowing plot.”
Fan Reactions and Season 2 Possibilities
The ambiguous ending has directly fueled the demand for Tempest Season 2. Fans have taken to social media and online forums to petition for the story to continue, hoping to see a proper reunion and a concluded love story for Mun-ju and San-ho. The chemistry between the lead actors, Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won, is frequently cited as a key reason for wanting more.
As of now, Disney+ has not officially announced a renewal for a second season. The show’s future likely depends on viewership numbers and critical response, which has been positive. It is worth noting that most Korean dramas are designed as single-season limited series, though major hits like Squid Game have broken this pattern. The deliberate cliffhanger in Tempest has certainly left the door open for more story.
The Final Episode’s Major Plot Points
The finale revealed that Ok-seon, Mun-ju’s mother-in-law, was the mastermind behind the entire conspiracy. Driven by a traumatic childhood in a war-torn area, she built a secret empire and acquired a nuclear submarine with the goal of attacking the US while keeping Korea safe. After her plan failed, she committed suicide.
Mun-ju and San-ho obtained the activation codes from the King of Idisha, stopping the missile launch. San-ho’s subsequent sacrifice allowed Mun-ju to live and pursue her political destiny. The final scenes confirm that Mun-ju is moving forward with her life and career, carrying the memory of San-ho, who appears to be watching from a distance.
Also Read: Jun Ji Hyun’s Agency Denies Ad Cancellation is Linked to Drama Dialogue Controversy
